Simple Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

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Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is the easiest recipe to prepare the chicken ahead of time and easily add it to all kinds of recipes! It’s an easy way to meal prep to make dinner time less stressful during the week!

I know this recipe may not seem like one you need because it’s so simple… but sometimes I think we need a reminder that dinner doesn’t need to be super complicated. It also helps to have some base items prepped ahead of time, and you can totally do that with this simple slow cooker shredded chicken.

If dinner stresses you out, do yourself a favor and prepare some shredded chicken to have on hand to put together quick dinners during the week.

Can you put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes! You literally take the chicken directly from the package and place it, frozen or thawed, in the slow cooker. This is so simple I promise you can’t mess it up!

How do you make slow-cooker shredded chicken?

• Place boneless skinless chicken in the slow cooker
• Add chicken broth. I prefer bone broth but regular broth works as well
• Cover slow cooker with lid
• Cook for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-4 hours on high
• Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees for food safety
• Shred and enjoy!

Should I use chicken broth or chicken bone broth?

You can use either, but I’m going to suggest you try this recipe with chicken bone broth. Using bone broth makes this chicken much richer in flavor and juicy while also packing some additional nutrition. I prefer to make mine with bone broth but will use chicken broth if that’s all I have.

How do you shred chicken?

Take the cooked chicken breasts and place them either on a cutting board or a plate using 2 forks and gently pull apart the chicken. It should shred very easily. If it is tough you may have overdone it, or if it’s still pink and hard to shred, it’s not cooked fully yet so place it back in the slow cooker and allow it to cook until fully done.

You can also use a KitchenAid Mixer to shred your chicken. You just put the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl and use the flat paddle attachment. Mix on low until chicken is shredded. This does not take long!

Do not over-shred if you use the KitchenAid Mixer. Been there and done that and I’ve ruined the chicken! Keep a close eye on it as you do it. This is a very quick way to shred chicken though so don’t rule it out if you make large batches of shredded chicken!

Why is my crockpot shredded chicken tough?

If you are unable to shred the chicken easily using two forks, it is likely not cooked enough yet. The chicken may be finished cooking on low for around 2 hours or so, but if you allow it to cook at a low temperature the meat will continue to become tender and be easier to shred, just make sure there is enough broth so it doesn’t get too dry.

Tips for storing shredded chicken in the freezer

Once your shredded chicken is completely cooled, you can put it in freezer bags or airtight containers in 1 or 2-cup portions and store it in the freezer for up to 4 months for the best flavor.

When you’re ready to use the shredded chicken in a recipe, you can take the individual servings out of the freezer and thaw them out overnight in the fridge. Or, if you are using it for a recipe in the slow cooker, you should be able to just add it directly to it.

This recipe is super simple on purpose, but you can jazz it up a bit by adding some spices if you choose.

Some spices you could add to keep this as a very versatile chicken recipe are:

• salt and/or pepper
• celery seasoning
• garlic powder
• onion powder

You would add these individually and to your liking.

If you love chicken, try some of these chicken recipes!

• Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet
• Cajun Chicken Street Tacos
• Air Fryer Southwest Chicken
• Healthy Chicken Salad Brown Rice Bowl
• Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken